Adipose Tissue Has Aberrant Morphology and Function in PCOS: Enlarged Adipocytes and Low Serum Adiponectin, But Not Circulating Sex Steroids, Are Strongly Associated with Insulin Resistance

Abstract

In PCOS, adipose tissue has aberrant morphology/function. Increased waist-to-hip ratio indicates abdominal/visceral fat accumulation, but this is not supported by MRI. Enlarged adipocytes and reduced serum adiponectin, together with a large waistline, rather than androgen excess, may be central factors in the pathogenesis/maintenance of insulin resistance in PCOS.